U.S. patent application number 12/605125 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-28 for method and apparatus for utility usage monitoring.
This patent application is currently assigned to Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.. Invention is credited to Bhaskar R. Gudlavenkatasiva, George L. Hughes.
Application Number | 20110095903 12/605125 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43897941 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110095903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gudlavenkatasiva; Bhaskar R. ;
et al. |
April 28, 2011 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UTILITY USAGE MONITORING
Abstract
An approach is provided for monitoring utility usage and
generating notifications. A platform collects utility data from a
utility meter of a subscriber and determines whether the utility
data satisfies a usage threshold. The platform generates a
notification based on the determination and presents the
notification.
Inventors: |
Gudlavenkatasiva; Bhaskar R.;
(Tampa, FL) ; Hughes; George L.; (Wesley Chapel,
FL) |
Assignee: |
Verizon Patent and Licensing
Inc.
Basking Ridge
NJ
|
Family ID: |
43897941 |
Appl. No.: |
12/605125 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.02 ;
705/26.25; 705/7.13; 725/110; 725/153 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01D 4/004 20130101;
H04N 21/2543 20130101; G06Q 10/06311 20130101; H04N 7/173 20130101;
Y04S 20/30 20130101; H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N 21/6582 20130101;
G06Q 40/04 20130101; Y02B 90/20 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q
30/0607 20130101; H04N 21/44227 20130101; H04N 21/4131
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/870.02 ;
725/153; 725/110; 705/7.13; 705/26.25 |
International
Class: |
G08C 15/06 20060101
G08C015/06; H04N 7/14 20060101 H04N007/14; G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00; G06Q 10/00 20060101 G06Q010/00; G06Q 50/00 20060101
G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: collecting utility data, at a set-top box,
from a utility meter of a subscriber; determining whether the
utility data satisfies a usage threshold of the subscriber;
generating a notification based on the determination; and
presenting the notification via the set-top box.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set-top box is
associated with a service provider, the method further comprising:
transmitting the utility data via the set-top box over a data
network to a database managed by the service provider.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: prompting,
via the set-top box, to determine whether deviation from the usage
threshold is acceptable to the subscriber.
4. A method according to claim 3, further comprising: prompting,
via the set-top box, for dispatching a utility service technician
of a utility provider associated with the utility meter.
5. A method according to claim 4, further comprising: presenting a
list of third party vendors capable of performing maintenance and
repair of a utility service measured by the utility meter.
6. A method according to claim 5, further comprising: receiving a
selection of a third party vendor capable of performing maintenance
and repair; generating a service request based on at least one of
the utility data, the usage threshold, and the selected third party
vendor; and transmitting the service request to the selected third
party vendor.
7. A method according to claim 4, further comprising: retrieving
information associated to a third party vendor capable of
performing maintenance and repair of a utility service measured by
the utility meter; generating a service request based on at least
one of the utility data, the usage threshold, and the third party
vendor; and transmitting the service request to the third party
vendor.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the set-top box is
configured to present broadcast content.
9. A set-top box apparatus comprising: a memory configured to store
utility data collected from a utility meter of a subscriber; and a
processor configured to determine whether the utility data
satisfies a usage threshold of the subscriber, to generate a
notification based on the determination, and to present the
notification.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus is
associated with a service provider, the apparatus further
comprising: a communication interface configured to transmit the
utility data over a data network to a database managed by the
service provider.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the processor is
further configured to generate a prompt for determining whether
deviation from the usage threshold is acceptable to the
subscriber.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processor is
further configured to generate a prompt for dispatching a utility
service technician of a utility provider associated with the
utility meter.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor is
further configured to initiate presentation of a list of third
party vendors capable of performing maintenance and repair of a
utility service measured by the utility meter.
14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the processor is
further configured to receive a selection of a third party vendor
capable of performing maintenance and repair, to generate a service
request based on at least one of the utility data, the usage
threshold, and the selected third party vendor, and to transmit the
service request to the selected third party vendor.
15. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor is
further configured to retrieve information associated to a third
party vendor capable of performing maintenance and repair of a
utility service measured by the utility meter, to generate a
service request based on at least one of the utility data, the
usage threshold, and the third party vendor, and to transmit the
service request to the third party vendor.
16. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the processor is
further configured to initiate presentation of broadcast
content.
17. A method comprising: receiving utility data from a plurality of
set-top boxes of a respective plurality of subscribers
corresponding to a service provider, wherein the utility data is
collected from a plurality of meters maintained by a utility
provider; storing the utility data in a database maintained by the
service provider; and storing a profile for one of the subscribers,
wherein the profile specifies a usage threshold of the one
subscriber.
18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising: determining
whether the utility data of the one subscriber satisfies the usage
threshold; generating a notification based on the determination;
and transmitting the notification to a corresponding one of the
set-top boxes of the one subscriber.
19. A system comprising: a utility monitoring platform configured
to receive utility data from a plurality of set-top boxes of a
respective plurality of subscribers corresponding to a service
provider, wherein the utility data is collected from a plurality of
meters maintained by a utility provider; and a database configured
to store the utility data in a database maintained by the service
provider and a profile for one of the subscribers, wherein the
profile specifies a usage threshold of the one subscriber.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein the platform is further
configured to determine whether the utility data of the one
subscriber satisfies the usage threshold, to generate a
notification based on the determination, and to initiate
transmission of the notification to a corresponding one of the
set-top boxes of the one subscriber.
Description
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] With advances in communication technology, consumers have
grown accustomed to greater and greater convenience in conducting
business transactions as well as personal errands. Such convenience
is tied to having a computer and associated networking
infrastructure (e.g., router with broadband access), which has
enabled a host of on-line commerce activities. For example, users
can readily access banking information and initiate bill payments
using a home computer. Also, these on-line activities are largely
confined to purchasing goods and services. Other than bill payment
or traditional on-line commerce capabilities, little effort has
been expended to integrating other consumer transactions relating
to such ubiquitous services as utility services (e.g., water,
electricity, gas, etc.). As part of their operations, utility
providers measure utility usage by a residential home or a
commercial building, and typically, generate utility bills that are
sent to consumers on a monthly basis via snail mail. Unfortunately,
with these types of services, consumers are not able to manage any
aspect of their account and service.
[0002] Additionally, service providers, e.g., communication and
media providers, are challenged to continually develop innovative
services to remain competitive and profitable.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an approach to monitor
utility usage with more convenience, while enabling a new source of
revenue for service providers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of monitoring
utility usage and generating notifications relating to the usage,
according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagram of components of a utility monitoring
platform in the system of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for monitoring utility
usage and generating notification, according to an exemplary
embodiment;
[0008] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts of a process for monitoring
utility usage and generating notification, according to an
exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for creating and updating
subscriber utility profile, according to an exemplary embodiment;
and
[0010] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to
implement various exemplary embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] A preferred apparatus, method, and system for monitoring
utility usage and generating notification are described. In the
following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is
apparent, however, that the preferred embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement.
In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in
block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0012] Although various exemplary embodiments are described with
respect to a set-top box (STB), it is contemplated that these
embodiments have applicability to any device capable of processing
audio-video (AV) signals for presentation to a user, such as a home
communication terminal (HCT), a digital home communication terminal
(DHCT), a stand-alone personal video recorder (PVR), a television
set, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a video-enabled phone, an
AV-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or a personal
computer (PC), as well as other like technologies and customer
premises equipment (CPE).
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of monitoring
utility usage and generating notifications relating to the usage,
according to an exemplary embodiment. For the purposes of
illustration, a mechanism for monitoring utility usage and
generating notification is described with respect to system 100,
which includes a communication network 101 that provides
connectivity between a service provider network 103 and a user or
customer premise 105. Under this scenario, the service provider
network 103 can also interface with a utility service provider 107
using the communication network 101. In one exemplary embodiment,
the service provider that operates network 103 may be an entity
that provides communications and/or media delivery services to
users (e.g. subscribers, consumers, etc.). These services can
include wireless phone services, wireline phone services, internet
services, content services (such as TV), etc. In one exemplary
embodiment, service provider can provide a bundled communications
(Internet, telephone, and TV) service such as FiOS.RTM.. The
service provider can distribute media content through the service
provider network 103 directly or indirectly via the network 101 to
the customer premise 105. Such content can be received by the
set-top box 111 directly or through a network terminal 113 (which,
for example, may be an optical network terminal (ONT) in the case
of FiOS.RTM.).
[0014] According to certain embodiments, the service provider
network 103 includes a utility monitoring platform 109 for
communicating with the utility service provider 107 to exchange
data relating to consumption or usage of the utility service. For
example, the monitoring platform 109 can receive utility usage data
from a set-top box (STB) 111 within customer premise 105.
[0015] In one embodiment, the set-top box 111 interfaces with a
utility meter 115 through the network terminal 113. The network
terminal 113 can be a device that serves as an interface to the
service provider 103. The utility meter 115 measures the
consumption of the utility service by the customer premise 105.
Alternatively, the utility meter 115 can be configured to
communicate directly with the set-top box 111 using a wireless link
or a wired link.
[0016] As used herein, the terms set-top box, media-based device,
and user equipment are interchangeable, to denote a device capable
of receiving content from the service provider network 103.
Furthermore, content is contemplated broadly to include a wide
range of media. Content can include any audio-video content (e.g.,
broadcast television programs, digital video recorder (DVR)
content, on-demand programs, pay-per-view programs, IPTV (Internet
Protocol Television) feeds, DVD related content, etc.),
pre-recorded media content, data communication services content
(e.g., commercials, advertisements, videos, movies, etc.),
Internet-based content (e.g., streamed video), and/or any other
equivalent media form.
[0017] Furthermore, set-top box 111 can be used to receive voice,
video, and data from network terminal 113 and to present such
content to various devices, such as display 116. In one embodiment,
a router 117 can be connected to set-top box 111 and can provide
access to a public data network (e.g., the global Internet) to a
user device, such as computing device 119 (e.g., laptop, desktop
computer, web appliance, etc.). Alternatively or additionally,
router 117 can be directly connected to network terminal 113. In
another embodiment, router 117 can be included in (or integrated
with) set-top box 111, such that set-top box 111 can provide, for
instance, Internet access to device 119. However, it is
contemplated that other combinations may be provided.
[0018] In accordance with certain embodiments, a mobile device 121
can communicate with the utility monitoring platform 109 to manage
the user's account for the utility service over the communication
network 101.
[0019] By way of example, the communication network 101 may include
one or more networks such as a data network and/or a telephony
network. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local
area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area
network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), or any
other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially
owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary
cable or fiber-optic network. Moreover, the telephony network can
be provided via a combination of circuit-switched technologies or a
packetized voice infrastructure.
[0020] Also, the communication network 101 can include a radio
network that supports wireless terminals, which may be fixed or
mobile, using various radio access technologies. Different radio
technologies are contemplated: first generation (1G) technologies
(e.g., advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), cellular digital packet
data (CDPD), etc.), second generation (2G) technologies (e.g.,
global system for mobile communications (GSM), interim standard 95
(IS-95), etc.), third generation (3G) technologies (e.g., code
division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), general packet radio
service (GPRS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS),
etc.), 4G, etc. For instance, various mobile communication
standards have been introduced, such as first generation (1G)
technologies (e.g., advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), cellular
digital packet data (CDPD), etc.), second generation (2G)
technologies (e.g., global system for mobile communications (GSM),
interim standard 95 (IS-95), etc.), third generation (3G)
technologies (e.g., code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000),
general packet radio service (GPRS), universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS), etc.), and beyond 3G technologies
(e.g., third generation partnership project (3GPP) long term
evolution (3GPP LTE), 3GPP2 universal mobile broadband (3GPP2 UMB),
etc.).
[0021] Complementing the evolution in mobile communication
standards adoption, other radio access technologies have also been
developed by various professional bodies, such as the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), for the support of
various applications, services, and deployment scenarios. For
example, the IEEE 802.11 standard, also known as wireless fidelity
(WiFi), has been introduced for wireless local area networking,
while the IEEE 802.16 standard, also known as worldwide
interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) has been introduced
for the provision of wireless communications on point-to-point
links, as well as for full mobile access over longer distances.
Other examples include Bluetooth, ultra-wideband (UWB), the IEEE
802.22 standard, etc.
[0022] Although only a single meter 115 is shown, it is
contemplated that the customer premise 105 may include multiple
utility meters 115 for different utility services. As mentioned,
utility meter 115 can be used to measure utility usage for such
services as water, gas, electricity, etc. Traditionally, utility
usage data that is measured by utility meter 115 are collected by
technicians and provided to the utility provider 107. These utility
usage data are processed to produce bills on a monthly (or even
quarterly) basis to the user. It is recognized the user may not be
aware of any problems associated with the service until the bill
arrives. That is, the user would recognize that the charge is a
great deviate over the norm, in terms of the cost. Hence, the user
is not provided with the utility usage data with sufficient
frequency to permit the user to take preventive action if there is
a problem that caused the unusually high use. To address this
problem, utility monitoring platform 109 can collect usage data,
with a configurable frequency, from the set-top box 111 and
generate a notification to the user if utility usage is not
normal.
[0023] According to one embodiment, network terminal 113 is
operatively connected to utility meter 115 and is able to collect
utility usage data from utility meter 115 in an automated fashion.
This is in contrast to the traditional approach of manual
collection by a technician. Alternatively or additionally, set-top
box 111 can operatively be connected to utility meter 115 to
directly collect utility usage data. Utility usage data collection
can occur based on a predefined schedule or frequency. For example,
network terminal 113 and/or set-top box 111 can collect utility
usage data on hourly, daily, weekly, etc. basis. Moreover, such
collection can be on an on-demand basis or triggered by an
event--e.g., during a troubleshooting.
[0024] As discussed, utility monitoring platform 109 can process
the collected utility usage data and generate notification.
Alternatively or additionally, the functions of the utility
monitoring platform 109 can reside within set-top box 111. Utility
monitoring platform 109 can receive utility usage data that is
collected from utility meter 115 (using network terminal 113 and/or
set-top box 111), as well as from other meters within other users'
premises (not shown). The platform 109 can access database 123 that
stores profile of the users. User profile can include account
information as well as information relating to utility usage, such
as user specified usage thresholds. Utility monitoring platform 109
can compare the collected utility data for the user to the stored
usage threshold. Different notifications can be generated based on
the comparison. In one exemplary embodiment, if utility usage data
shows that user's usage is more than the usage threshold stored for
the user, an alert message can be sent to the user for appropriate
action. The process is more fully described with respect to FIGS.
4A and 4B.
[0025] In certain embodiments, utility monitoring platform 109 can
prompt the user with a series of questions to determine an
appropriate action to pursue. For instance, utility monitoring
platform 109 can prompt the user to determine whether differences
between utility usage data and usage threshold defined for the user
is acceptable to the user or not. If deviation of utility usage
data is acceptable to user, utility monitoring platform 109 can
record the utility usage data as user acceptable. However, if the
user indicates that deviation of utility usage data from usage
thresholds is not acceptable, utility monitoring platform 109 can
further prompt the user to determine whether a service request
needs to be generated and sent to a utility provider (such as
utility provider 107). In one exemplary embodiment, the user can
decide to take no action, therefore, utility monitoring platform
109 can record that no action was taken by the user. However, the
user may decide to send a service request to the utility provider
(such as utility provider 107).
[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, utility monitoring platform 109
can prompt the user with a list of third party vendors that are
capable of performing maintenance and repair of utility measured by
the utility meter 115. In the case of multiple meters (and thus
multiple utility services), the user can specify a particular
utility service to the utility monitoring platform 109 and either
directly or through utility monitoring platform 109 can contact the
utility service. For instance, the platform 109 can provide an
option for the user to initiate a trouble ticket with the utility
provider 107. In one exemplary embodiment, utility monitoring
platform 109 can connect the user to utility provider 107; i.e.,
assist with establishing a communication session between the user
with the utility provider 107.
[0027] In one embodiment, utility monitoring platform 109 can
generate and provide notifications using various different media.
For example, processed usage data and/or notifications can be
presented on the display device 116 through set-top box 111. A
graphical user interface (GUI) can be used to present the
information and/or interact with the user. Also, processed data
and/or notifications can be presented to the user using on
computing device 119 using a web portal (not shown) supported by
utility monitoring platform 109. Alternatively or additionally,
this information can be presented to the user via mobile device
121, which can be a wireless phone device.
[0028] According to one embodiment, utility monitoring platform 109
can be used to set up a new user profile or update an existing one.
In one example, utility monitoring platform 109 can provide a
graphical user interface (GUI) to prompt the user to enter
information that is needed for the user profile. For example, this
information can include information regarding the user's premise
that is relevant to determining consumption, information regarding
typical utility usage pattern, information regarding preferred
utility services, utility usage thresholds, etc. In one example,
utility monitoring platform 109 can retrieve average utility usage
data from a utility provider database 125 and determine utility
usage thresholds based on the retrieved data. According to certain
embodiments, such average can be based on targeted sampling. That
is, baselines for the usage can be set using data collected from
the specific user, based on statistical averages of all users, or
on statistical sampling of "like" users--e.g., users in the same
community, users with similar demographics, users with similar
homes, etc).
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, utility monitoring platform 109
can further process utility usage data that is collected from
utility meter 115. For example, utility monitoring platform 109 can
perform statistical analysis on the collected data, can generate
reports on usage trends, and/or can format the collected data or
any information associated with the collected data into compatible
format for display. Such information can be stored within database
123.
[0030] Approaches for monitoring utility usage and generating
notification are more fully described below with respect to FIGS.
2-5.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram of components of utility monitoring
platform 109 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. For
the purposes of illustration, utility monitoring platform 109 can
include a data collection module 201, a processing module 203, an
alert module 205, an interface module 207, a formatting module 209,
and a service module 211. As shown, utility monitoring platform 109
can be connected to a utility monitoring database 123.
[0032] In this example, data collection module 201 is configured to
collect utility usage data from utility meters (such as utility
meter 115 within premise 105). Data collection module 201 can
directly collect utility usage data from utility meters or
indirectly through network terminal 113 of system 100 and/or
through communication network 101. Processing module 203 of utility
monitoring platform 109 can process the collected utility usage
data. In one exemplary embodiment, processing module 203 can
compare the collected utility usage data with a usage threshold and
determine whether the collected utility usage data satisfies the
usage threshold. Alternatively or additionally, processing module
203 can analyze the collected utility usage data and can generate
reports on usage trends. In one embodiment, this data can be made
available to the user. The usage threshold can be any metric (e.g.,
kilowatt hour, gallons, etc.), including cost metrics, such as
dollar amount. For example, the user may wish to be alerted when
usage exceeds a cost threshold, thereby enabling the user to more
intuitively budget such usage.
[0033] Further, alert module 205 can generate notification messages
based on the determination whether the collected utility usage data
satisfies usage threshold. Alert module 205 can provide generated
notifications to the user through different media (which may be
specified by the user in the user profile) and technologies, such
as presenting through a graphical user interface on a TV set, via a
website, and/or using a wireless phone device. It is contemplated
other methods can be used. Interface module 207 can control the
graphical user interface for interaction with the user. The
graphical user interface can be used to present notification
messages to the user, interact with the user to set up a user's
profile, interact with the user to dispatch utility service,
etc.
[0034] Moreover, utility monitoring platform 109 can include a
formatting module 209. Formatting module 209 can format the
processed data prepared by processing module 203 (such as usage
trend reports) to a compatible format for presentation on user
devices. Further, utility monitoring platform 109 can include a
service module 211. Service module 211 can interact with the user
and utility provider 107 of system 100 regarding service requests.
In one exemplary embodiment, if processing module 203 determines
that collected utility usage data is atypical (based on defined
usage thresholds), service module 211 can interact with the user to
determine if service requests should be generated and sent to
utility providers (such as utility provider 107 of system 100). For
example, service module 211 can have access to a list of third
party vendors that are capable of performing maintenance and
repair. Alternatively or additionally, service module 211 can
access the user's profile that can include information regarding
preferred utility services.
[0035] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, utility monitoring platform 109
can have access to a utility monitoring database 123. Utility
monitoring database 123 can be configured to store user profiles,
utility usage data, information regarding utility providers,
information regarding third party vendors capable of performing
maintenance and repair, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, utility
monitoring platform 109 can be configured to operate at the set-top
box 111 while the utility monitoring database 123 is managed by the
service provider.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for monitoring utility
usage and generating notification, according to an exemplary
embodiment. In on embodiment, the process 300 can be performed at
utility monitoring platform 109 of FIG. 1. It is noted that utility
monitoring platform 109 can be configured to operate at the service
provider network 103; also, some or all of the functionalities of
the platform 109 can be performed at set-top box 111. In step 301,
utility usage data is collected from, for example, utility meter
115.
[0037] In step 303, the process 300 compares the collected utility
usage data with one or more pre-determined usage thresholds. In one
exemplary embodiment, a utility threshold can be stored along with
user profile at utility monitoring database 123. In step 305, the
process 300 determines whether the collected utility usage data
satisfies the usage threshold. For example, the process 300
determines whether the utility usage data exceeds the usage
threshold. In one embodiment, the usage threshold is set
automatically based on a historical usage pattern, or specified by
the user. Moreover, the threshold can be set according to any unit
that is suitable for the particular service, or according to a
dollar amount.
[0038] If the process 300 determines that the threshold is not
satisfied (for example, there is an abnormality in the usage data),
then, as in step 307, a notification is generated to alert the
user. In step 309, the notification is transmitted to a user device
to be presented to the user. As noted, various methods can be
employed to present this alert--e.g., via the set-top box 111.
[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts of a process for monitoring
utility usage and generating notification, according to another
exemplary embodiment. In step 401, the process 400 collects utility
usage information directly or indirectly from utility meters. In
step 403, the collected utility data can be processed. For example,
the process 400 can statistically analyze the collected utility
usage data, generate usage trend reports, format the processed data
into a format compatible for display on user devices, etc. In step
405, the process 400 can transmit the processed usage data to user
devices to be presented to the user, for example, through a
graphical user interface provided by the set-top box 111.
[0040] In step 407, the utility monitoring platform 109 can compare
the collected utility usage data or some information associated to
the usage data with pre-determined usage threshold. In step 409,
based on comparison of step 407, the process 400 determines whether
the utility usage data satisfies the pre-determined usage
threshold. Such determination can conclude whether utility usage is
normal for the particular user profile. If it is determined that
the threshold is not satisfied (e.g., threshold exceeded), a
notification message is generated, per step 411. In step 413, the
notification message is transmitted to a device, e.g., set-top box
111, for presentation to the user.
[0041] In step 415, the utility monitoring platform 109 can prompt
the user to determine whether deviation of the utility usage from
the usage threshold is acceptable to the user. As explained, the
utility monitoring platform 109 can prompt the user using a
graphical user interface. In step 417, the process 400 receives a
response from the user, for example, through the graphical user
interface. In step 419, the process 400 determines whether the
deviation is acceptable. If it is determined that the deviation is
acceptable, the process 400 continues to step 421. In step 421, the
process 400 records the collected utility usage data as user
acceptable.
[0042] However, if it is determined that the deviation of utility
usage from the threshold is not acceptable to the user, the process
400 prompts, per step 441, the user regarding a service request.
Based on user's response, in step 443, the process 440 determines
whether a service request should be generated and sent to dispatch
a utility service technician. If the user indicates that the
service request should not be sent, the process 440 records that no
action was taken (step 445). However, if it is determined that the
service request should be sent, in step 447, the process 440
determines whether a utility service is specified for the user. For
example, user profile can include information regarding preferred
utility services for the user. If the specified utility service
exists for the user, the service request is generated and
transmitted to the specified utility service for dispatching a
utility service technician associated with the utility meter (step
455). In one exemplary embodiment, the utility service can be
associated with a utility provider associated with the utility
meter.
[0043] In step 447, a determination is made that no preferred
utility service is specified for the user, the process 440, as in
step 449, the user can be presented with a list of utility
services. For example, the list of utility services can include a
list of third party vendors capable of performing maintenance and
repair of a utility service measured by the utility meter.
According to one embodiment, the process 440 can determine and
retrieve the list of utility services based on information
associated with the user (such as geographical location of the
user, utility provider serving the user, etc.). In step 451, the
process 440 receives a utility service selection from the user. In
step 453, the service request is generated by the utility
monitoring platform and is transmitted to the selected utility
service.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for creating and updating
a subscriber utility profile for monitoring utility usage and
generating notification, according to an exemplary embodiment. In
step 501, information associated with a premise of a user (e.g., a
subscriber) is received. This information can include any data that
may have relevance to consumption of a utility service, such as
number of rooms, bathrooms, number of people living in the premise,
etc. Also, additional information such as information regarding
typical utility usage pattern, information regarding preferred
utility services, utility usage thresholds, etc. can be used to set
up the user's profile.
[0045] In step 503, the process 500 retrieves average utility usage
data for the subscriber. In one exemplary embodiment, the process
500 can receive average utility usage data from the user.
Additionally or alternatively, the process 500 can retrieve average
utility usage data from a utility provider (e.g., utility provider
107). In step 505, the process 500 can determine usage thresholds
based on collected information. The utility thresholds can be used
later to determine normality of utility usage by the user. In step
507, the usage threshold can be presented to the user for review.
As mentioned various methods can be used to determine the average,
as by sampling usage of a particular user, usage relating to the
community to which the user belongs, etc.
[0046] In step 509, the process 500 determines whether the user
accepts the usage thresholds. If the user finds the thresholds to
be acceptable, the process 500 stores the user information and
thresholds in the user profile in step 511. However, if the user
wishes to set different thresholds, the user is prompted to modify
the usage thresholds, in step 513. In step 515, user information
and modified usage thresholds are stored, for example, in utility
monitoring database 123 of FIG. 2.
[0047] The described processes and arrangement advantageously
enables users to conveniently manage utility service usage. In one
embodiment, this capability can be provided through a set-top box,
thereby obviating the need for a separate computer to utilize such
service. In this manner, the user is assured that utility usage
data is collected and processed accurately, while permitting
certain controls with respect to utility service usage.
[0048] The processes described herein for monitoring utility usage
and generating notification may be implemented via software,
hardware (e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware or a combination
thereof. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described
functions is detailed below.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates computing hardware (e.g., computer
system) upon which an embodiment according to the invention can be
implemented. The computer system 600 includes a bus 601 or other
communication mechanism for communicating information and a
processor 603 coupled to the bus 601 for processing information.
The computer system 600 also includes main memory 605, such as
random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled
to the bus 601 for storing information and instructions to be
executed by the processor 603. Main memory 605 also can be used for
storing temporary variables or other intermediate information
during execution of instructions by the processor 603. The computer
system 600 may further include a read only memory (ROM) 607 or
other static storage device coupled to the bus 601 for storing
static information and instructions for the processor 603. A
storage device 609, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is
coupled to the bus 601 for persistently storing information and
instructions.
[0050] The computer system 600 may be coupled via the bus 601 to a
display 611, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal
display, active matrix display, or plasma display, for displaying
information to a computer user. An input device 613, such as a
keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the
bus 601 for communicating information and command selections to the
processor 603. Another type of user input device is a cursor
control 615, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction
keys, for communicating direction information and command
selections to the processor 603 and for controlling cursor movement
on the display 611.
[0051] According to an embodiment of the invention, the processes
described herein are performed by the computer system 600, in
response to the processor 603 executing an arrangement of
instructions contained in main memory 605. Such instructions can be
read into main memory 605 from another computer-readable medium,
such as the storage device 609. Execution of the arrangement of
instructions contained in main memory 605 causes the processor 603
to perform the process steps described herein. One or more
processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed
to execute the instructions contained in main memory 605. In
alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place
of or in combination with software instructions to implement the
embodiment of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are
not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and
software.
[0052] The computer system 600 also includes a communication
interface 617 coupled to bus 601. The communication interface 617
provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link
619 connected to a local network 621. For example, the
communication interface 617 may be a digital subscriber line (DSL)
card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card,
a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication
interface to provide a data communication connection to a
corresponding type of communication line. As another example,
communication interface 617 may be a local area network (LAN) card
(e.g. for Ethernet.TM. or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM)
network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible
LAN. Wireless links can also be implemented. In any such
implementation, communication interface 617 sends and receives
electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital
data streams representing various types of information. Further,
the communication interface 617 can include peripheral interface
devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
interface, etc. Although a single communication interface 617 is
depicted in FIG. 6, multiple communication interfaces can also be
employed.
[0053] The network link 619 typically provides data communication
through one or more networks to other data devices. For example,
the network link 619 may provide a connection through local network
621 to a host computer 623, which has connectivity to a network 625
(e.g. a wide area network (WAN) or the global packet data
communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet")
or to data equipment operated by a service provider. The local
network 621 and the network 625 both use electrical,
electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey information and
instructions. The signals through the various networks and the
signals on the network link 619 and through the communication
interface 617, which communicate digital data with the computer
system 600, are exemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the
information and instructions.
[0054] The computer system 600 can send messages and receive data,
including program code, through the network(s), the network link
619, and the communication interface 617. In the Internet example,
a server (not shown) might transmit requested code belonging to an
application program for implementing an embodiment of the invention
through the network 625, the local network 621 and the
communication interface 617. The processor 603 may execute the
transmitted code while being received and/or store the code in the
storage device 609, or other non-volatile storage for later
execution. In this manner, the computer system 600 may obtain
application code in the form of a carrier wave.
[0055] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions to the
processor 603 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,
including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media,
and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,
optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 609. Volatile
media include dynamic memory, such as main memory 605. Transmission
media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics,
including the wires that comprise the bus 601. Transmission media
can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic
waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and
infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of
computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper
tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM,
and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0056] Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example,
the instructions for carrying out at least part of the embodiments
of the invention may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a
remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the
instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a
telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system
receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared
transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit
the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a
personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector
on the portable computing device receives the information and
instructions borne by the infrared signal and places the data on a
bus. The bus conveys the data to main memory, from which a
processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device
either before or after execution by processor.
[0057] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have
been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be
apparent from this description. Accordingly, the invention is not
limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the
presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent
arrangements.
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